Showtime: In The Hot Seat

June 07, 2022
The temperature isn’t the only thing heating up this summer in the Big Easy. From sultry Broadway classics and fiery comedy specials to the hottest acts in country, pop, rap, gospel, hip-hop, rock and more, there’s no shortage of sizzling shows to help keep you cool and wash away those summertime blues.

Champions Square – champions-square.com
June 16: Crowder - My People Tour
The three-time GRAMMY® nominee and No. 1 Billboard Chart-topping Christian/gospel/contemporary artist, Crowder welcomes special guests including We The Kingdom, the 2021 Dove Awards “Contemporary Christian Artist of the Year” Anne Wilson, whose debut single “My Jesus” reached number one on Billboard’s Hot Christian Songs chart, and newcomer Patrick Mayberry.

House of Blues – houseofblues.com/neworleans
June 2: Candlebox – Wolves Tour
With seven studio albums and legions of loyal followers, the acclaimed Seattle band brings its contemporary, hard rock sound with influences in blues, grunge and glam metal to New Orleans.

June 10: Jesse McCartney – The ‘New Stage’ Tour
The New York-born singer, songwriter, artist and actor has built a catalog of instantly recognizable anthems and captivated audiences on the road and on-screen. The 2020 Masked Singer runner-up headlines with guests Jamie Miller and Casey Baer.

July 24: Bad Bad Hats
The indie rock band from Minneapolis showcases its distinct style of music rooted in classic pop songwriting, elements of nineties rock influence and an overall lightheartedness.

Le Petit Theatre – lepetittheatre.com
June 16–26: Choir Boy
The season continues with 2019 Tony Award nominee for Best Play, Choir Boy, written by Tarell Alvin McCraney. In the soaring, music-filled Choir Boy, the Charles R. Drew Prep School for Boys is dedicated to the creation of strong, ethical black men. Pharus wants nothing more than to take his rightful place as leader of the school’s legendary gospel choir. Can he find his way inside the hallowed halls of this institution if he sings in his own key?

One Eyed Jacks – oneeyedjacks.net
June 19: Ty Segall and The Freedom Band
Known for his legendary rock ‘n’ roll live shows, Ty Segall is a multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter and record producer best known for his solo career during which he has released 13 studio albums, various EPs, singles and collaborative albums.

July 29: Reverend Horton Heat
Legendary singer/songwriter/guitarist/composer/actor James C. Heath, leader of the three-piece psychobilly band from Texas, is considered by many to be the “godfather of modern rockabilly and psychobilly.” Influenced by 1950s country, surf, punk, big band, swing and rockabilly, the trio has released 13 albums throughout its illustrious 37-year career.

August 18: SUSTO
With a rock-rooted sound that does not shy away from radio-ready hooks, SUSTO keeps listeners engaged by refusing to occupy an easily defined space.

August 19: Wavves – King of the Beach Tour with BOYO & Smut
Formed in 2008 by singer/guitarist Nathan Williams, the American surf punk band includes guitarist Alex Gates, bassist Stephen Pope and touring drummer Ross Trevor.

Saenger Theatre – saengernola.com
June 10-12: Waitress
Brought to life by a groundbreaking all-female creative team, this hilarious hit Broadway show features original music and lyrics by GRAMMY® Award winner Sara Bareilles. The blockbuster musical tells the story of Jenna, a waitress and expert pie-maker, who dreams of a way out of her small town and rocky marriage.

June 21-July 10: HAMILTON
HAMILTON is the story of America's Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, an immigrant from the West Indies who became George Washington's right-hand man during the Revolutionary War and was the new nation’s first Treasury Secretary. Featuring a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, blues, rap, R&B, and Broadway, HAMILTON is the story of America then, as told by America now. Written by Lin-Manuel Miranda, the critically acclaimed Broadway hit received a record-breaking 16 Tony Awards nominations and won 11, including Best Musical.

July 15: RuPaul’s Drag Race – Werq the World Tour
The Official RuPaul’s Drag Race World Tour returns with an all-new production for 2022. An experiment gone wrong has sent the audience spiraling through time with no way of returning to the present. Join Kameron Michaels, Rose, Vanessa Vanjie, Yvie Oddly and all finalists from the upcoming 14th season on a journey through iconic periods of history in hopes of finding your way back to 2022.

July 16: Tom Segura – I’m Coming Everywhere World Tour
Actor/comedian/writer Tom Segura is one of the biggest names in the comedy business. He recently performed to sold-out stages on his 100+ city “Take It Down” tour.

Smoothie King Center – smoothiekingcenter.com
June 17: Nick Cannon Presents Wild ’N Out Live
Television host, rapper, actor and comedian Nick Cannon brings his famed MTV series to the road, where he will mix up comedy, variety and game show elements all in one.

June 30: Kevin Hart – Reality Check
Stand-up comedian/actor/producer Kevin Hart kicks off ESSENCEFest weekend with his Reality Check comedy tour. The People’s Choice Awards winner and Emmy nominee is best known for his roles in Jumanji, Undeclared, Fatherhood, Scary Movie 3, Think Like a Man, Ride Along, The Secret Life of Pets, Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie, Central Intelligence and Hobbs & Shaw.

July 28: Dude Perfect – That’s Happy Summer Tour
YouTube sensations, sports and comedy group Dude Perfect (the members are former college roommates) brings their engaging and action-packed “That’s Happy 2022 Summer Tour” show to New Orleans.

August 27: Luke Bryan – Raised Up Right Tour
One of the most successful and awarded country artists, Luke Bryan has become one of the world’s top-selling musical artists with over 75 million records sold. Special guests are Riley Green and Mitchell Tenpenny.

The Civic – civicnola.com
June 17: Joe Jackson
The English singer/songwriter/musician has recorded 20 studio albums and received five GRAMMY® nominations over his illustrious career. His musical style has spanned the spectrum to include new wave, rock, jazz, pop and classical.

The Fillmore – fillmorenola.com
June 24: Denzel Curry – Melt My Eyez Tour
Rapper and artist Denzel Curry is known for having one of the best live shows in the business. After issuing a series of well-received mixtapes in the early 2010s, he made his official studio debut with 2013's underground favorite Nostalgic 64, later entering the charts for the first time with his 2018 major-label debut.

August 7: Three Days Grace – Explosions Tour
Since 2003, the Canadian rock band has staked a spot amongst the hard rock vanguard, quietly breaking records, topping charts, and making history by holding the all-time record for “most #1 singles at Active Rock Radio” with 13.

August 30: Michael Franti & Spearhead – Follow Your Heart Tour
Creator and lead vocalist Michael Franti fronts the upbeat and energetic band that blends hip-hop with a variety of other styles including funk, reggae, jazz, folk and rock.

The Joy Theater – thejoytheater.com
June 23: Anjelah Johnson Reyes – Who Do I Think I Am?
The California native and MADtv alum has a lengthy and wide-ranging résumé delving into acting, writing, dancing, music and stand-up comedy. She has released four stand-up specials in addition to a full-length album as her famed short-tempered MADtv character, Bon Qui Qui.

June 25: Chelcie Lynn – The Tammy Tour
An American social media personality, actress and comedian, Chelcie Lynn gained fame for her short comedic videos as Trailer Trash Tammy.

July 14: Hanson – Red Green Blue Tour
Hanson, the multi-platinum, three-time GRAMMY® nominated pop-rock trio, arrived on the music scene in 1997 with the #1 hit “MMMBop” that helped sell more than 12 million copies of their debut album. During their 29 years performing together, they have sold over 16 million albums, garnered a string of consecutive Top 40 singles, and created seven albums, two Christmas albums and five live releases.

August 17: The Driver Era – Summer Tour 2022
The exuberant pop/rock outfit features former R5 bandmates singer/actor Ross Lynch and his brother, multi-instrumentalist/producer Rocky Lynch.

The Orpheum Theater – orpheumnola.com
June 18: Kurtis Conner LIVE
Comedian Kurtis Conner is bringing his freshest, funniest material yet to the stage as a sell-out performer, podcaster, and global YouTube sensation. The comedy show will also feature Dean Hebscher and Jacob Sharpe.

August 13: Father John Misty
Father John Misty is the stage name adopted by American singer/songwriter Joshua Michael Tillman, whose music paints sadly beautiful portraits of love and life on the margins. The pop/rock/indie/folk performer favors rich, expansive arrangements that complement the expressive range of his voice.